Mantas Kalnietis had played some of his best basketball wearing the national team's jersey in the past, but last year's Olympic campaign was rather disappointing for the athletic combo-guard. The player will have a chance to get back on track in Slovenia, as he will once again be the primary option at the point guard position in the absence of Sarunas Jasikevicius. Although filling the shoes of a living legend does seem like a difficult task, Kalnietis established himself as a top-tier European guard in his own right after a stellar season with Lokomotiv Krasnodar, marked by Eurocup Final Four triumph in Charleroi. The 27-year-old guard will enjoy heavy minutes and brings a perfect mix of experience and athleticism to a Lithuanian team that will be looking to play gritty defence and push the ball at every opportunity.